What is a Doula?

You Doula What?

Often, when people ask me what I do and I say "I'm a birth Doula" all I get is a blank stare. Then I get the privilege of telling them all the amazing ways a Doula can help a women giving birth. Since you're here reading this, I'm going to assume someone else has at least mentioned Doulas to you. Maybe you'd like to know some more details?There are a few different kinds of Doulas but all have the same goal: to support and encourage mothers. Becoming a Mother (whether your first time or your 5th) is such a momentous moment in a women's life. Doula's make it their priority to make this time as positive and special as possible. A Birth Doula is there to be a constant companion during labor. She gives the expectant mother and her partner emotional, physical and informational support throughout pregnancy, delivery and early postpartem.

What I Doula

Recognize birth as a profound experience a mother will remember all her life

Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor

Assist the mother in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth

Stay with her throughout her labor

Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as help the mother get the information she needs to make an informed decision

Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her medical care providers

Perceive my role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience